86'' gt build

[foxbody5point0]

What's up guy I'm a new member looking to get some general knowledge on the 1986 5.0 engine. I've heard that the 86 came with true flat top pistons which makes it hard to swap heads without piston flycut but I've also heard that you could run the trickflow twisted wedge heads and stage 1 cam (which is what I want to do). Just need some hands on experience advice on this. The car is carb and bone stock 5 speed

Thanks in advance

[danco86]

True story on the pistons. The only year that has them. I run AFR 165's on mine and did have to flycut the pistons to clear the exhaust valve. I've heard that on some tw's it is not needed, but I don't know first hand. No matter what heads you choose to use, most definitely check for ptv clearance.
You converted to carb on it already?

[foxbody5point0]

I'm suppose to pick it up off a trade Thursday but it already been converted. Wasn't sure if I should look to buying mods next or basically pick up another engine for it

[danco86]

What else do you know about it?
Ever rebuilt? Miles?

[foxbody5point0]

I'll be the 3rd owner, no rebuilds, and miles unknown. My desired plans has always been a stroker

[danco86]

Biggest regret when I rebuilt mine was not going 347..

[foxbody5point0]

Thanks for the input my man. I'm gonna just stroke it & solve my problem lol. Are porting gt40p heads worth the time & money?

[danco86]

I'm not sure what those will flow for ya. A lot of guys on here do the gt40/40p heads. But see what your stroker would flow first to see if they would be a good match.

[manders500]

First, what are you trying to achieve with a new build? Do you plan on racing it or do you just want some power?

I would not use ported GT40 heads on a stroker, on a 302 sure. Save your money from porting and buy a nice set of heads if you plan on running more CID. When I bought my 86 the guy had Victor Jr heads with 2.05 valves and a B3 cam with the flat top pistons and the valves did hit and made their own notches but it ran and never bent a valve.

[foxbody5point0]

I just want a street\strip toy. I really want to run the twisted wedge 170 with the tf stage 1 cam, but after research I see I'll need new pistons